The Münchhausen Trilemma
+ Acadia in the fall, the music we all miss, and how to build better habits.
Welcome to HOLOCENE
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The Münchhausen Trilemma
The Münchhausen Trilemma is a thought experiment from the realm of epistemology that reveals any theory of knowledge cannot be certain and all beliefs are truly unjustified. It is the perfect mechanism to demonstrate the impossibility of proving any truth - even in the fields of mathematics, physics, and medicine.
When presented with an argument or belief, its veracity is usually brought into question. When presented with proof to explain a given proposition, the same could be asked to prove the given proof, and any subsequent proof. This thought experiment retains that there are only three options in response to further questioning. The trilemma is really the establishment that one must choose between three unsatisfying options for truly justifying their own beliefs.
The Circular Argument (Perception Paradox) = Proof of a given proposition can only be supported by the initial proposition. This is the most common argument people make. Where the proof that supports said proposition can only be supported by another proposition that is effectively based on the initial proposition, or what is commonly referred to as belief.
Here is an example: If an atheist and a christian are arguing over the existence of a christian god, and the atheist asks for proof of the proposition that god is real, a conversation might look like this:
christian: “god’s word is truth”
atheist: “and proof of that?”
christian: “the bible is infallible”
atheist: “and proof of that?”
christian: “the bible is god’s word”
atheist: “and proof of that?”
christian: “god’s word is truth”
Any circular argument will eventually rely strictly on the initial point itself. Where this gets even more interesting is relating to group perception with our own combined reality - i.e.: “the sky is blue and I know that because I can see it” - but is it really blue objectively? Or is that just subjective to our human experience?
The Infinite Argument (Unbounded Regression) = where each proof requires further proof, usually based on the same premise as the initial proof, ad infinitum. When an argument is considered infinite or regressive, the appropriate response is essentially "i don't know". This is due to the simple fact that any further proof given to back up the initial proof can only be validated by the next proof. Think of a young child asking a question, and then continually asking "why?" for each answer you give. Eventually, a made-up answer is given to appease the child and stop the "why" questioning. You’re better off saying “I don’t know”. For most things in our world, we really have no idea what they objectively are - it’s all mostly subjective conjecture by our combined society.
The Axiomatic Argument (Dogmatic Perception) = where proof is only true by virtue of the declaration that they are true. This is the most popular choice of the bigot in modern society. Their only proof is based on the proclamation of something to be true, when there is usually no proof, or anything remotely close that could actually validate their point.
The Future of Civil Discourse
Why is understanding the paradox of the Münchhausen Trilemma useful? Well, as society continues to become seemingly more divided over the most basic of viewpoints and identities it is important to place context on the basis of another person’s argument. The only arguments worth having are those confined within the basis of civil discourse - where all parties involved enter a space where new information can inspire a new understanding of a given ideology.
“Before you begin arguing with another, ask them if there is anything you could say that could change their mind on the given subject. If the answer is no, say thank you and go get a burrito.” - Tim Ferriss
La Blogothèque
Is a brilliant music production company based in France that produces some of the most incredible candid performances of musicians one can find online. They recently dropped this reel of everything they’ve ever done - and in times like these without live music - it is a welcome site for sore ears and eyes. Direct links to some of the best performances:
Condolence by Benjamin Clementine
Stubborn Love by The Lumineers
Dirty Paws by Of Monsters and Men
Blue Ridge Mountains by Fleet Foxes
Atomic Habits by James Clear
The foundation of a successful life is building habits that create the life you want to live. This book an excellent place to start for anyone that is seeking to make changes in their life, regardless of how significant. “Achieving a goal only changes your life for the moment. That’s the counterintuitive thing about improvement. We think we need to change our results, but the results are not the problem. What we really need to change are the systems that cause those results… Fix the inputs and the outputs will fix themselves.” [$12]
Honey Badger BCAAs
If you are someone who works out at a moderate to heavy level of intensity, then introducing BCAAs post workout can not only significantly improve your longterm performance but also shorten muscle recovery. BCAAs have also been proven to harden the immune system, protect lean muscle, and promote muscle protein synthesis. After experimenting with a variety of options, these rose to the top mainly due to the great taste and clean ingredients. [$25]
Apple MagSafe Duo
If you are someone that uses the iPhone \ Apple Watch combo, this will save you a ton of time (and room in your backpack) during travel, and is also an elegant solution to a tired problem while at home. This simple device allows you to rapid charge both your iPhone and Apple Watch simultaneously via lightning cable. Implementation of this device in your EDC is a must for any traveler. [$129]
Veilance Deploy Jacket
Previously released in the S\S 2012 Veilance Collection, the Deploy Jacket is back in a new form. Featuring 3-layer gore tex C-knit fabric, an articulated zipped design implementation to avoid chin chaffing, and new colorways, this jacket is the most packable and lightweight of its kind. (9.3 oz - or about the same weight as a large smartphone) To the uninitiated, Veilance has been making products like this for almost a decade - all brilliantly designed, fully featured, and backed by a lifetime guarantee. Need a new wallet? [$750]
Acadia in the Fall
Acadia National Park. An incredible place scattered throughout an island frequented by high seaside peaks. Dense thickets of deciduous trees flanked by groves of evergreens cover the island. There are towns nestled between large expanses of the national park, creating numerous opportunities for natural and social enjoyment. Any visit to this magical place is an instant classic, but a trip in the fall is even more spectacular.
I have been lucky enough to travel to Acadia eight times in my life. Each time has been for a different reason, but most of the latter occasions I absconded from the stress of my existing life. Acadia has always been a safe harbor for me. It is a place I can be deeply alone, think through my thoughts, and plan out the next steps of this adventure called life.
Most days would start the same: rise when I please, hop in the car to warm up, and head out - camera in hand - to capture some of the island’s random beauty. I would eventually explore what I assumed to be nearly every inch of this island during my many trips here, but each time I return I find a new place to cherish. I think that is why I come back every time. To return again to a place that brings so much joy and solitude is something we all need to seek in life.
This is exactly why I travel frequently to places I have been before. To revisit places that make you rethink life and bring you deep joy. But it is also important to visit places that may take you far out of your comfort zone. Find a balance between experiencing all the world has to offer that you have yet to see and the places that you hold dearest in your heart. Acadia in the fall is one of those for me. Every time I return I am reminded of why I come back here, and every time it rewards my sustained curiosity.
Someday I dream of owning a small cabin nestled in the woods of Acadia just like this one. But for now, I will be a frequent patron of its beauty, and you should too.
Thank You for taking the time to read this bonus iteration of HOLOCENE, usually only available to paid subscribers.
You can find me daily on Twitter, Instagram, and YouTube.
Have a wondrous and productive week!
RMA
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